The 2010 Republican gubernatorial race isn't on most people's radar. But us political junkies live politics 24/7, so my radar screen is always dotted with images of the political landscape. And right now, I'm not at all enthused with the Republican candidates I see who're running for governor - they're a dull, conventional and dreary crop of sameness.

Last week, I wrote,“Announced Republican candidates for governor next year are Congressman Nathan Deal, Secretary of Sate Karen Handel, Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine; states rights advocate Ray McBerry and State Rep. Austin Scott. Is that it? Can't we do any better?,” (“Ho hum,” June 16).

Deal has served in Congress 16 years; Oxendine has been Insurance Commissioner for 15 years and Johnson in the legislature for 17 years. Tenured politicians all. Handel, in her first term as secretary of state - and formerly chair of the Fulton County Commission - is already seen as the “slash and burn”candidate. At last month's GOP convention, she came out swinging at Oxendine “as she aired a slick, stinging campaign video that compared her gubernatorial rival to a lumbering beast,” (Tifton Gazette, May 15). And Georgians may still not be ready to elect a woman governor - especially one with a demeanor problem. Scott 39, the youngest candidate, has represented his south Georgia House district for 14 years in relative obscurity. As for McBerry, short of Georgia seceding from the Union, at best he's a fringe wannabe.

I admit that my early favorite was Sam Olens, chairman of the Cobb County Commission. He’s credited with running one of the best county governments in the nation. Since 1775, Georgia has had eighty-one governors. For most of recent history, these governors have come from the legislature. Some observers say it’s time that Georgia not only had a governor from outside the ranks of the legislature but also one with a regional or county perspective and experience. Alas, Olens decided instead to run for attorney general, thus leaving a field flawed with not very attractive or exciting candidates.

With Olens out, my radar is now focused on radio talk show host and entrepreneur, Herman Cain. He ran for U.S. Senate in the 2004 and finished second, garnering a respectable 26% of the vote - not too shabby for a first timer's bid for elective office, especially an African-American running in a Republican Primary in Georgia.

Cain would certainly again generate renewed interest and enthusiasm - not to mention much charisma - in the Republican primary. When matched with the others, he's sure to be propelled to a primary run-off spot. One on one, Cain would be the clear favorite to win the nomination

As the Republican candidate for governor, Cain would rattle the political establishment - not to mention grabbing the national spotlight. He would attract voters not normally inclined to vote Republican. Cain's life story is most compelling and his business resume is phenomenal. That he's never held public office might be a real plus in these days when professional politicians aren't on anyone's most popular. list.

Keeping the governor's office safely in Republican hands next year won't be a cake walk. Recent statewide elections show that Democrats have a base of about 47% of the vote. Libertarian candidates usually draw around 3.5% - at the expense of Republicans. After eight years of Republican dominance, voters may be lured by the Democrats' call to “change.” Cain would mute that mantra by simply being Herman Cain.

Run, Herman, Run!

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